Olivia Pope and Fitzgerald Grant, the star-crossed lovers at the heart of ABC’s Scandal, captivated audiences for seven seasons with their tumultuous, politically charged, and ultimately unfulfilled romance. While the show explored the complexities of their relationship extensively, fans hoping for a definitive wedding between Olivia and Fitz were left with a poignant, imagined scenario rather than a concrete ceremony.
Olivia Pope and President Fitzgerald Grant do not get married in any actual episode of Scandal. The series finale, “Over a Cliff,” offers a glimpse into a potential future where they are happily married, living a normal life in Vermont, but this is presented as a dream-like sequence, a “what if” scenario, rather than a confirmed reality within the show’s canon.
Understanding the Olivia and Fitz Relationship: A Chronicle of Near Misses
Their relationship was a constant push and pull, a dance between power and vulnerability, duty and desire. Their paths crossed and diverged repeatedly, often dictated by political machinations and personal ambition. While marriage seemed like the ultimate resolution, the series expertly navigated the complexities that prevented it from ever truly happening.
The Obstacles in Their Path
Several significant factors repeatedly prevented Olivia and Fitz from walking down the aisle:
- Fitz’s Presidency: His position as the President of the United States created immense pressure and scrutiny, making a relationship with a political fixer like Olivia incredibly difficult to navigate, legally and politically.
- Their Ambitions: Both Olivia and Fitz were driven individuals with strong political ambitions. Their desires often clashed, leading to disagreements and periods of separation. Olivia’s need to wield power, and Fitz’s initial commitment to his political legacy, constantly challenged their bond.
- Personal Demons: Both characters carried significant emotional baggage. Fitz was haunted by his abusive father, while Olivia struggled with her identity and the weight of her family legacy, particularly her relationship with her father, Rowan Pope. These personal struggles further complicated their ability to form a stable, lasting relationship.
FAQs: Unraveling the Fitz and Olivia Saga
Here are some frequently asked questions that delve deeper into the complexities of Olivia and Fitz’s relationship and their lack of a formal marriage:
FAQ 1: Why did Shonda Rhimes choose not to have Olivia and Fitz marry?
Shonda Rhimes, the creator of Scandal, is known for her complex characters and unconventional storytelling. A traditional happily-ever-after ending for Olivia and Fitz would have felt simplistic and perhaps inauthentic to the deeply flawed and complicated nature of their relationship. The open-ended conclusion, hinting at possibilities rather than definitively stating a future, allowed for a more nuanced and thought-provoking ending. Rhimes has spoken about wanting the show to reflect the messiness of real life and relationships, and forcing a marriage wouldn’t have aligned with that vision.
FAQ 2: Was there ever a point where a wedding between them was seriously considered by the writers?
While the writers explored various relationship milestones, a full-blown wedding was never a core plot point. The focus remained on the tension of their connection and the constant external and internal forces pulling them apart. Potential wedding scenarios were likely discussed in the writers’ room, but ultimately discarded as it would have resolved the central conflict that drove much of the show’s narrative.
FAQ 3: How did the actors, Kerry Washington and Tony Goldwyn, feel about the relationship’s outcome?
Both Kerry Washington and Tony Goldwyn have spoken extensively about their characters’ complex dynamic. While they acknowledged the desires of some fans for a wedding, they generally expressed understanding and appreciation for the show’s chosen path. They recognized that a simple marriage wouldn’t have fully captured the depth and intricacies of Olivia and Fitz’s relationship, particularly given the characters’ individual journeys.
FAQ 4: What does the “Vermont” scene in the series finale symbolize?
The Vermont scene represents a potential idealized future, a glimpse into what could have been if Olivia and Fitz had prioritized a simple, domestic life over their political ambitions. It’s a fantasy, a reward for the sacrifices they made throughout the series. The ambiguity surrounding the scene allows viewers to interpret it as they choose: as a promise, a dream, or a bittersweet reminder of what could have been.
FAQ 5: Could a future Scandal revival ever depict their wedding?
While anything is possible in the world of television revivals, it’s unlikely. The ambiguity of the original ending is a significant part of Scandal‘s legacy. To definitively depict their wedding in a revival would undermine the nuanced conclusion that Rhimes and the writers crafted. A revival would likely explore other aspects of their lives, perhaps focusing on the challenges of maintaining a relationship after the high-stakes world of Washington D.C.
FAQ 6: What was the biggest obstacle to their relationship, ultimately?
While many factors contributed, the biggest obstacle was arguably their inherent power dynamic. Olivia, a powerful political fixer, and Fitz, the President of the United States, were both accustomed to being in control. This constant struggle for dominance created friction and prevented them from truly surrendering to a fully equal partnership.
FAQ 7: Did public opinion within the Scandal universe ever favor their relationship?
Public opinion fluctuated dramatically throughout the series. Initially, their affair was a major scandal that threatened Fitz’s presidency. As the show progressed and viewers gained a deeper understanding of their connection, public sentiment shifted somewhat, with some seeing them as a symbol of forbidden love. However, their relationship always remained controversial within the show’s fictional world.
FAQ 8: How did Olivia’s relationship with her father, Rowan Pope, impact her relationship with Fitz?
Rowan Pope’s manipulation and control significantly impacted Olivia’s life and, by extension, her relationship with Fitz. Rowan constantly tried to influence Olivia’s decisions, often sabotaging her relationships to maintain control. He saw Fitz as a weakness and a threat to his power, and he actively worked to undermine their bond.
FAQ 9: Were there other romantic interests that rivaled Fitz for Olivia’s affection?
Yes, Jake Ballard presented a significant romantic rival for Fitz. Jake offered Olivia a different kind of love – one that was less burdened by political expectations and personal baggage. The Olivia-Jake-Fitz triangle was a recurring theme throughout the series, highlighting the different facets of Olivia’s personality and her evolving desires.
FAQ 10: How did Fitz’s political ambition influence his decisions regarding Olivia?
Fitz’s ambition often clashed with his desire to be with Olivia. Early in the series, he was willing to sacrifice their relationship to maintain his image and secure his presidency. As he matured, he became more willing to prioritize Olivia, but his past decisions continued to haunt their relationship.
FAQ 11: What is the legacy of the Olivia and Fitz relationship within television history?
The Olivia and Fitz relationship remains a defining example of a complicated, morally ambiguous love story on television. They pushed the boundaries of traditional romance narratives, exploring the complexities of love in the context of power, politics, and personal demons. Their relationship inspired countless discussions and fan theories, solidifying their place in television history.
FAQ 12: What lessons can viewers take away from Olivia and Fitz’s relationship?
The tumultuous journey of Olivia and Fitz serves as a reminder that love is not always easy or straightforward. It highlights the importance of communication, compromise, and self-awareness in any relationship. Ultimately, it underscores the idea that even the most passionate love stories can be derailed by ambition, personal baggage, and external pressures.
A Love Story Unresolved, But Never Forgotten
While Olivia and Fitz never officially tied the knot on Scandal, their relationship left an indelible mark on television. The absence of a wedding doesn’t diminish the impact of their connection. Instead, it reinforces the show’s complex portrayal of love, power, and the sacrifices we make in pursuit of both. The series finale, with its ambiguous glimpses into a potential future, invites viewers to contemplate the possibilities and decide for themselves whether Olivia and Fitz ultimately found their version of happily ever after, even without a formal ceremony. The power of their story lies in its unresolved nature, a testament to the enduring complexities of love in a world where everything is political.